Our Kuraā mātou kura

Arakura School is a Decile 2 contributing school (Year 1-6) located in Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt. We have always considered ourselves a progressive multi-cultural school that is responsive to the wishes of the community.

Our roll is approximately 170-200 pupils throughout the year. Pupils are from a wide range of different ethnicity and cultures.

The school has 7 mixed year group classrooms. In our Junior School, Room 10 house the new entrants, with Room's 7, and 9 for our two Year 1-3 classes. In the Senior School, we have a Year 3-4 class in Rooms 1, a Year 4-5 class in Room 2 and the Year 5 and 6 students in Rooms 4 and 5.

MāoriNZ European/PākehāPacific

55%31%14%(ERO Report, September 2014)

School Environment

Arakura School is a contributing primary school consisting of 9 full size classrooms, and a library which along with the administration area was remodelled in 2003 / 2004 ; a hall and various other storage areas. The school grounds are well landscaped with numerous trees. There are two large concrete and asphalted play areas which complement the large grassed area. There is a dental clinic used approximately eight weeks per year. Unfortunately the demountable classroom used as an Aoga amata (Samoan pre school used three days per week) was damaged by fire and had to be removed.

In 2008 the hall had a major upgrade. This included converting the supper room into a potential teaching space for roll growth, particularly in the new entrant class to support the 1:15 teacher to pupil ratio. Data cables, data projector and a new sound system were installed to future proof the technology capacity.

In 2010 we opened two new classrooms, with variable teaching spaces, in our junior school.

Safe Environment

A caring environment extends throughout Arakura School where older senior classes are encouraged to support the new entrants and assist them as “buddies” whenever possible. This emotionally supportive environment is extended throughout the entire school.

Our staff is well balanced with a mix of ages, backgrounds and experience in teaching. We have part time classroom release teachers and seven supporting teacher aides. In 2010 we welcomed the addition of a reading recovery teacher. We strive to recognise cultural as well as individual differences.

In our 2014 ERO report, they concluded that "Raising student achievement continues to be a priority. Teachers are working collaboratively to develop their capability and to build consistency across teaching and assessment practices.". This continues to be our main focus at Arakura School.

Our school acknowledges concerns in relation to student literacy and numeracy skills and places first priority on meeting needs in these areas to facilitate better learning in other curricula. Students are encouraged to explore their own culture and appreciate ethnic diversity. A Kapahaka programme in collaboration with Wainuiomata High School as well as the local Kohanga Reo has been a huge success to assist in the delivery of Te Reo Māori and Tīkanga Māori for our students.